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    Checkered Flag Tavern

    4.3 (187 reviews)
    InexpensivePubs, American, Barbeque
    Closed 11:00 am - 12:00 AM (Next day)
    Updated over 3 months ago

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    CHECKERED FLAG TAVERN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Juke Box
    Moderate noise
    Divey
    Casual

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    Recommended Reviews - Checkered Flag Tavern

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    Stu F.

    Last visit was a fluke. Tonight's wings were on point. The ranch was killer. Service was excellent! My faith has been restored

    Chicken Sandwich and Beer Battered Onion Rings
    Dionne V.

    Pleasantly surprised they use fresh food. The entrance wasn't obvious but there are two one off the parking in the back and on the side. We were greeted and told we could seat ourselves. This is a neighborhood spot with apparent regulars. The bar and tap are adequate. the decor a hodgepodge of Indiana racing memorabilia and race reference bumper stickers. The prices are good but they do charge for using a credit card. The service was good and the food came out in a reasonable amount of time. We all enjoyed our food. The negative was the cooks without hair nets and long hair and beards. I think it is a good local option for a laid back super casual bite and beer.

    Outdoor patio
    Katherine A.

    This is a fun, divey bar with a racing vibe, true to its Indy heritage. The walls are covered with interesting race car images and beer signs. Regulars were sitting at the bar and watching the Price is Right on the tv monitors during lunch hour. The bar is dark inside with a mix of tables surrounding a large bar. The menu says the bar has been operating since 1947. We were greeted and told to sit anywhere. The smell of Budweiser filled the air. The menu is a mix of barbecue/smoked sandwiches and wings, hamburgers, salads and more. Our server, Shawna, was bubbly and fun. She was the greeter, bartender and server for the entire bar. She was attentive and a 5-star awesome server. My husband had the special Steak Burrito which came with chips and salsa. The burrito was huge, filled with lots of steak, jalapeños, onions, tomatoes, lettuce and sour cream. The chips were ok. I had the Bbq Loaded Spud. The giant potato is smoked. The toppings had a lot going on. There was a generous serving of pulled pork, coleslaw, and pimiento cheese covered with bbq sauce and green onions. The pulled pork was very good (except for several bites of fat). The potato was filling. Certain nights, they host live musiThere is parking in the rear with a rear entrance through the outdoor patio. They charge a premium for credit cards (so bring some cash!). Checkered Flag is a great stop (less than a block off 465) for a sandwich and beer. And a must visit for a race fans.

    Onion rings
    Debra G.

    Fun Indy 500 decor. We were there for an early lunch. Only 2 other patrons in the tavern. We had excellent service. We ordered a sandwich special that came with fries. The sandwich was on Texas toast, pulled barbecue chicken, American cheese, bacon and candied jalapeños. It was delicious! Also ordered a side of onion rings. Very tasty, not too greasy with a sauce on the side. We've lived on Indy's west side for 30 years and never stopped in until today. Glad we did!

    The Texas Jalapeno Spud
    Karen O.

    A pleasant surprise at the bar/restaurant. Don't let the outside and the area fool you, inside it's decorated in racing decor. This would be a great stop for racers! The menu has a large variety to choose from. I enjoyed the brisket on the Southern brisket melt and more brisket on the Texas Jalapeño spud. Another party had the double cheeseburger. We all enjoyed our food! Our waitress Shelly took good care of us and did a great job

    Fried banana peppers  Pulled Pork Sandwich and slaw
    Laurie G.

    Great neighborhood bar. Not fancy, but plenty of fun race themed decor. Bar tender was attentive and noticed when it was time for another drink. Food was quite tasty bar fare.

    Double smash hatch burger
    PJ S.

    There's always an "interesting" crowd to be found at the Checkered Flag. Bikers, truckers, and local working folk are the regulars. And they are all very nice people....as are the staff. The menu is elevated bar food that goes beyond what you get at your typical neighborhood watering hole. And they have a BBQ pit that serves up some legit smoked goodies. I went with a burger topped with New Mexico hatch chilies. Pretty damn good. I like they provide malt vinegar in the little condiment caddy for the fries. Keep an eye out for drink specials. I got a big burger, fries and tall boy can of beer for $15. How many places can you get away with that in today's economy. Good place.

    Jared F.

    Stopped by to check out the bbq and food. The bartenders (crystal and Jessica) were fantastic, the food was amazing and the people were great. Had a wonderful time. Truly and 5 star dive bar!

    Women's bathroom
    Sally E.

    Cute place, My brisket sandwich was like dried wood chips. sent it back.Hubby liked his burger that he ordered PLAIN....(but had to scape mayo off and take all the fixing off) .there was only a bartender so service was slow, if you are looking for a "good ole boy spot" then you definitely found it...

    Herrmanns
    Sheila W.

    Some friends and I are doing a tour of neighborhood taverns. This time we visited The AVG, Checkered Flag Tavern and Herrman Brethers Bierwerks. The AVG is definitely a neighborhood tavern. It's cozy and very laid back with high top tables. I ordered an Old Fashioned but mixed drinks weren't really on offer unless it was something like rum and coke. I had a beer. It was fine. We were there for about an hour and a half. I would definitely return. The vibes were slow paced. We moved on to The Checkered Flag. Wowza!! It was a Thursday night but the place was hopping. We were joined by another friend with plans to have a bite to eat. The menu is unbelievable. So much to choose from. We were kind of boring because 3 of us chose the same thing and the other two chose the same item. Two had the pork tenderloin. Both agreed it was excellent. Three of us had the BBQ Pork spud. It's a giant baked potato with butter, a good spread of pimento cheese, moist pulled pork, BBQ sauce, coleslaw and green onions. It was fantastic. Normally the pork can become a bit dry. This was not the case. Cooked perfectly. I was able to order the Old Fashioned. They apologized because they were out of oranges but I was fine. It was a very good drink. There happened to be two musicians performing. I was quite impressed. This tavern was very very impressive. We all agreed to return Our final stop was Herrmann. It's a small brewery tucked away off a quiet street. We were offered several tastings of the beers on offer. We were all able to find something to our liking. I had a porter. There are tables for four spread around the seating area. It's comfortable and definitely a neighborhood haunt. All three places were definitely neighborhood taverns. The Checkered Flag was hands down the best! Indy has so much to offer!

    Patio fire Pit
    Jeff H.

    Good times good people! Food and drinks are even better, it's always a good time with the Checkerd Flag!

    Outside
    Frank N.

    Hint....look for parking lot in the back! Ample parking, service was fast, friendly and uncomplicated. The brisket sandwich was amazing! Loved the side of barbecue sauce with the outstanding fries. I would definitely come back here if in the area.

    Denise S.

    Great messy food & great service & music. The Californians will be back!!! Buy a shirt & support local!!

    Pork belly burnt ends

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    1 month ago

    Great food! It's definitely a 5 star Dive bar. Awesome decor! Love the racing theme. A lot of dartboards too.

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    9 months ago

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    3 months ago

    Music was too loud to talk. Food was pretty good. Was traveling so not sure if I will ever be back

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    2 months ago

    I had the frog legs for the first time. Actually not that bad. But.... the best wings I've ever had! Had the bourbon glaze. A must!!!

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    2 years ago

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    3 months ago

    Had a great dinner at CFT tonight. The steak special was amazing. Tori was our waitress. She did a great job for us.

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    1 year ago

    Food is great! Best wings in town! It's a diamond in the rough! Went there for lunch and back again for dinner!

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    1 year ago

    Chrystal was the most amazing server/bartender ever for our big group of 16 on Bloody Mary bar. She's a keeper! Food was excellent

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    8 months ago

    Tori provided great service for food and drinks. Really a great personality. We will return to the Checkered Flag Tavern.

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    1 year ago

    Great little hole in the wall place with great food and good service. Prices are very cheap considering the quality of food

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    Page 1 of 5

    Ask the Community - Checkered Flag Tavern

    Is it only for the over 21 crowd?

    As far as I know it is 21 and older due to Indiana alcohol laws. Since it is basically a bar. Please correct me if I am wrong.

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    Checkered Flag Tavern - pubs - Updated June 2026

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